A fourteen-day photography adventure to Croatia with Branimir Gjetvaj; visit one of the most beautiful natural and historic regions of southern Europe. Final pricing for the 2025 Croatia Photo Tour is being finalized. We will announce the tour cost in early March of 2025. Check out the main 2025 Croatia Photo Tour page for information about the registration, travel arrangements etc.
Travel itinerary for the 2025 Croatia Photo Tour:
Day 1 (October 5, 2025): Zagreb
Arrival in the Croatian capital Zagreb, the city of parks and cafés. Check-in at a hotel located close to the historic downtown core. Rest and recovery from the trip, or explore the medieval Upper Town; Branimir will provide tips on where to go. If there is interest, we will go for an easy stroll and photograph Botanical Gardens, a short stroll from the hotel, or take a public transit to the beautifully landscaped Maksimir City Park. A perfect activity to get some fresh air after a long flight. Crime rates are low, and you will feel safe photographing the city.
What is included: accommodation, transfer from the airport, light dinner.
Maksimir Park in autumn, Zagreb
Day 2 (October 6, 2025): Zagreb
After breakfast, we will explore the city by minibus in company of an English-speaking local guide. Tour of Donji Grad (Zagreb city core), Opera House, Mimara Museum complex, Green Horseshoe (inter-connected complex of city parks) and Mirogoj cemetery. After the orientation bus tour, we will explore the narrow streets and red-tiled roofs of the Upper Town on foot. We will visit the Zagreb Cathedral, Dolac – main farmer’s market with its picturesque red umbrellas, Stone Gate and the cobblestone streets of Gradec, colourful St. Mark church and the Lotrscak Tower.
What is included: accommodation, all meals, bus tour with a local, English-speaking guide.
A stroll along Radiceva Street will take you from Zagreb downtown to the historic Upper Town, and transport you back in time
Strossmayer Promenade with a sculpture of Croatian poet Antun Gustav Matos – a short walk from our hotel
Nikola Subic Zrinjski Square – part of the Green Horshesoe complex of city parks in downtown Zagreb
Cupolas at the Mirogoj Cemetery, a Zagreb landmark designed by the famous architect Hermann Bollé
Day 3 (October 7, 2025): Hrvatsko Zagorje – Trakoscan Castle, Varazdin
After breakfast, we will board the bus for an all-day trip through Hrvatsko Zagorje, a region rich in history and photo opportunities. We will drive through gently rolling hills of rural Zagorje dotted with vineyards and small Baroque churches. Our destination is the picture-perfect Trakoscan castle built on a forested hill side. Optional walk around the Trakoscan lake.
A picture-perfect Trakoscan castle (13th century)
After Trakoscan, we will drive to Varazdin, a town considered to be the best preserved and richest urban complex in continental Croatia. We will photograph along cobblestone streets with a lot of character, colourful Baroque palaces in the old town and the impressive Varazdin Fortress. Dinner in Varazdin. Return and overnight in Zagreb.
Included: accommodation, all meals, entrance to the Trakoscan castle.
King Tomislav square in the centre of Varazdin
Gallery of Old and Contemporary Masters (located in the rococo-style Sermage Palace), Varazdin
Day 4 (October 8, 2025): Slavonija – Vucedol Culture Museum
After breakfast, we will board the bus for a 275 km drive to eastern Croatia region of Slavonija, one of the four historical regions of Croatia. We will make short stops to rest along the way, with a longer stop for a traditional lunch south of Vinkovci. After lunch, we will take a short drive to visit the Vucedol Culture Museum and Archaeological Site with one of the most important exhibits of prehistoric culture in Europe. The location gives its name to the Vucedol culture that existed in Copper Age Europe.
Reconstruction of a 5,000 year old thatched house. Vucedol Culture Museum
The location was first inhabited around 6,000 B.C. and was inhabited intensively through the whole of prehistory. The Vucedol culture reached its peak during the period between 3,350 – 2,300 B.C. and formed a significant centre of human settlement. This period occurred as the same time as the Sumer period in Mesopotamia, the Early Dynastic period in Egypt and the earliest settlements of Troy. Many archaeological similarities can be found between the Vucedol and Troy sites. Among the most famous pieces is a ceramics vase dated to 2,600 B.C. with an astral calendar, the oldest one found in Europe that shows the calendar year based on the Orion cycle. The museum was winner of the prestigious European “Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism” award in 2022.
Boats on the Danube River near Vucedol Museum
After visiting the Vucedol Museum, we will drive to Osijek, the capital of Slavonija region. After dinner, there is an option to walk 1 km to downtown to photograph around the Osijek Cathedral or approximately 2 km to Tvrdja (Citadel) in the old town. Overnight stay in Osijek.
Included: accommodation, all meals, entrance and tour of the Vucedol Culture Museum.
Cobblestone street in Tvrdja (Citadel) in the old town of Osijek
Trg Svetog Trojstva in Tvrdja, Osijek’s old town
Day 5 (October 9, 2025): Baranja – Kopacki Rit Nature Park, Belje winery
After breakfast, we will visit Kopacki Rit Nature Park. A natural triangle between the rivers Danube and Drava, this area is one of the largest European inland wetlands. We will explore the park with a short walk and a boat tour through the Special Zoological Reserve. Watch a 5 minute video about the Park’s natural treasures.
Belje wine cellar is the largest and most impressive wine cellars in Baranja
After lunch, we will visit Belje winery, established in 1697 by Prince Eugene of Savoy. Following his death in 1736, the estate was inherited by Queen Elisabeth, and later by the Queen Maria Theresa. We will take a guided tour of the Belje wine cellar, the largest and most impressive wine cellar in Baranja. On the way back to Osijek, a drive through picturesque 650 hectares of Belje vineyards and a stop for photography at the vineyard lookout point. After dinner, there will be time for photography around downtown Osijek or Tvrdja (Citadel). Overnight stay in Osijek.
Included: accommodation, all meals, entrance to the Kopacki Rit Nature Park, guided tour of Belje wine cellar with wine tasting.
Wine road from the lookout point, Belje winery
Day 6 (October 10, 2025): Djakovo, Sisak, Plitvice Lakes National Park
After early breakfast we take a short drive to the Stud Farm in Djakovo (https://ergela-djakovo.hr/en). Established in 1506, it is one of the oldest stud farms in Europe. Lipizzaner horses have been bred in ?akovo since the beginning of the 19th century. The graceful performance of the ?akovo four-horse carriage at the opening ceremony of the 1972 Summer Olympic Games in Munich impressed Queen Elizabeth II so much that the Royal Family visited the ?akovo Stud Farm later that year, and again in 2016. We will try to time our visit to coincide with the release of horses into pasture at Ivandvor, a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness and photograph this spectacle.
After the visit and photography around the Ivandvor horse stables and grounds, we will start driving towards Plitvice Lakes National Park. We will stop along the way to rest and refresh. Late lunch to sample local specialties at the restaurant by Sisak fortress. The fort was built as the first line of defense against the increasingly threatening Ottoman attacks on the Kingdom of Croatia. A short walk and photography on the grounds.
Sisak fortress, built on the bank of the Kupa River in 16th century as a defense against Ottoman attacks
Continue the journey towards Plitvice, arrival in late afternoon. Overnight in a hotel close to the boundary of the park.
Included: accommodation, entrance to the Djakovo Stud Farm, all meals.
Aerial view of Sastavci waterfalls, Plitvice Lakes National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Waterfall dream, Plitvice Lakes National Park
Day 7 (October 11, 2025): Plitvice Lakes National Park
Full day of photography in the national park. If you are looking for a few places to visit and photograph in your lifetime, Plitvice Lakes National Park should be one of them. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Plitvice boasts 16 turquoise lakes inter-connected with hundreds of waterfalls and spectacular karst formations. The lakes are surrounded by 29,000 ha of beautiful beech and conifer forests. Trail could be wet and slippery so make sure you have proper walking shoes.
Watch an excellent BBC documentary about the Plitvice Lakes National Park (48 minutes – long but definitely worth your time).
Included: accommodation, all meals, entrance fee to the Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Detail of Veliki Prstavac waterfall, Plitvice Lakes National Park
Along the lake. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Day 8 (October 12, 2025): Zadar
After breakfast, we will drive to the coastal town of Zadar. A walking tour of the old Zadar and historical buildings with a local guide: St. Donat church from the 9th century, Cathedral Sv. Stosije (St. Anastasija) and the Bell Tower, the city walls. In the evening we will photograph the “Sea Organ” and “Greeting to the Sun” architectural displays at sunset.
Included: accommodation, all meals, entrance fees to historic buildings and guided tour of Zadar with a local, English-speaking guide.
Church of St. Donatus (Crkva Svetog Donata) in Zadar
‘Greeting to the Sun’ architectural display, Zadar
Day 9 (October 13, 2025): Zadar, Sibenik
After breakfast, we will take a scenic drive through the interior of Dalmatia to restaurant Roca. Tour of the farm, olive grove and vineyard. Lunch with traditional specialties made with ingredients produced on site.
Drive to Sibenik and check-in. Our hotel is just a few minutes walk from the Cathedral of Cv. Jakov (St. James), one the most important architectural monuments of the Renaissance in Croatia. The Sibenik Cathedral has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2000. A unique feature of this monument is a remarkable frieze decorated with 74 small Renaissance portraits immortalizing important Sibenik nobles and citizens of the era. Old town Sibenik is probably my favourite place to capture the beauty and spirit of Croatian coastal towns (external link is to a 6-minute video about the Sibenik region). Explore the historic downtown core, sunset photography and overnight in Sibenik.
Included: accommodation, all meals.
Street scene in old Šibenik
The Cathedral of St. James (Katedrala sv. Jakova) in Šibenik,
Skyline view of the old town of Šibenik at dusk.
Day 10 (October 14, 2025): Split, Orebic
After breakfast, we will head to Split and tour the city accompanied by a local guide. Split is centered on the ancient Roman Palace of the Emperor Diocletian from 4th century, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will explore the monumental court called the Peristyle (designed with a prominent Venetian influence), impressive underground complex of the Diocletian’s Palace, the Jupiter’s Temple, and the Cathedral of St. Domnius
Split – Prokurative, a neo-Renaissance style square built to resemble the St. Mark’s Square in Venice
Peristil – part of the Diocletian palace from Roman times. Split
After lunch we will leave for the coastal community of Orebic on the Peljesac Peninsula opposite the island of Korcula. Peljesac is famous for its vineyards, producing what are often thought to be the best wines in Croatia, including Postup and Dingac from the Plavac Mali grape variety. Overnight in Orebic.
Included: accommodation, all meals, entrance fees to the historic buildings and guided tour of Split with a local, English-speaking guide.
Day 11 (October 15, 2025): Korcula, Ston
After early breakfast, we will take a short ferry ride to the island of Korcula. Tour of the impressive walled town of Korcula affectionately called “Little Dubrovnik” with a local, English-speaking guide . Time to explore the historic town on your own until lunch.
Walled town of Korcula, affectionately called “Little Dubrovnik”
Kopnena vrata (Land Gate) with the Revelin tower, town of Korcula
Mid-afternoon ferry ride back to Orebic and on to Dubrovnik. A short stop for a break and to check out the “Great Wall of Europe” in Ston. Arrival in Dubrovnik and hotel check-in.
Included: accommodation, all meals, guided tour of Korcula with a local, English-speaking guide.
Fortification at Ston on Peljesac Peninsula, with the “Great Wall of Europe” visible in the background
Day 12 (October 16, 2025): Dubrovnik
We will sped two days photographing the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ – the walled city of Dubrovnik. It is our last UNESCO World Heritage Site on the tour. We will spend our first morning checking out the locations assisted by a local tour guide: gates to the ancient city, Franciscan and Dominican monasteries, Rector’s Palace and others. In the afternoon we will go by boat to the nearby 72-hectare wooded island of Lokrum where according to legend, Richard the Lionheart was cast ashore after being shipwrecked in 1192. The island includes a fortress, botanical garden and a protected nature park with a small, 10-metre deep lake. We will be able to photograph details of an abandoned monastery and enjoy a gorgeous view of Dubrovnik city wall just a short distance away. Return to Dubrovnik and sunset shoot of city walls and Stradun, Dubrovnik’s main street. Overnight in Dubrovnik.
Included: accommodation, all meals, a guided tour of Dubrovnik with a local guide, boat ride and entrance fee to the Lokrum Nature Reserve.
Part of the city walls and harbour, Dubrovnik
Botanical garden on the island of Lokrum
Day 13 (October 17, 2025): Dubrovnik
A full day in Dubrovnik to photograph and explore the city at your leisure. We will leave early to avoid the crowds and mid-day heat to walk along the city walls (link to a 5-minute video). Branimir will be available if you have any questions or need assistance. Sunset photography of Dubrovnik vistas. Overnight in Dubrovnik.
Included: accommodation, breakfast and dinner (note: optional group lunch, depending on your preference), entrance ticket for the tour of Dubrovnik city walls. You will receive a one-day Dubrovnik Pass, a unique pass allowing entry into 12 cultural and historical monuments and top Dubrovnik attractions.
In front of Rector’s Palace, Dubrovnik
View of Dubrovnik old town from city walls
Day 14 (October 18, 2025): Dubrovnik
Free time after breakfast, until scheduled transfer to the airport for departure flights. Please contact Branimir before booking your outgoing flight – we will try to arrange a group transport to the Dubrovnik airport near Cilipi, about 30 minute drive from Dubrovnik city centre. If you have to book an afternoon or evening flight and decide to spend extra time in Dubrovnik, your travel luggage can be stored in the hotel.
Included: breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure flights (conditional on the time of your flight ).
The last rays on sunlight on Dubrovnik city walls
Stradun – Dubrovnik’s main street at night
Return to the main 2025 Croatia Photography Tour page.
Return to the Photography workshops and tours page.
Dr. Branimir Gjetvaj is a biologist and internationally published environmental photographer specializing in western Canadian landscapes. He leads photography workshops and photo tours, and gives public presentations on photography, natural history and conservation biology topics.